Portugal and DR Congo shared the spoils in an entertaining 1-1 draw in their opening FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K match at Houston Stadium.
João Neves gave Portugal an early advantage with a sixth-minute header, but DR Congo responded just before halftime through Yoane Wissa to earn a valuable point. Despite dominating possession throughout the contest, Portugal were unable to find a winning goal after the break.
The draw leaves both sides with one point, while Colombia top Group K after defeating Uzbekistan.
Portugal make the perfect start
Portugal wasted little time asserting themselves and opened the scoring after just six minutes.
Pedro Neto delivered an inviting cross that João Neves met with a powerful header to put Portugal 1-0 ahead and reward the Europeans for their bright opening spell.
Roberto Martínez’s side controlled possession and dictated the tempo for much of the first half but struggled to create clear-cut opportunities despite their dominance.
Wissa strikes before halftime
DR Congo gradually settled into the match and found their breakthrough deep into first-half stoppage time.
Arthur Masuaku delivered an excellent ball into the penalty area where Yoane Wissa rose highest to head past the goalkeeper and level the score at 1-1 in the 45+5th minute.
The goal shifted momentum and ensured the teams headed into the break on level terms.
Portugal push but Congo hold firm
Portugal introduced Francisco Conceição, Rafael Leão, Nélson Semedo and Gonçalo Ramos in the second half as they searched for a winner.
The Portuguese continued to dominate possession and territory, while DR Congo defended resolutely and remained dangerous on the counterattack.
A VAR review confirmed Portugal’s corner decision midway through the half, but the European side could not convert their pressure into another goal.
DR Congo also made tactical changes through Noah Sadiki, Charles Pickel and Joris Kayembe to reinforce their midfield and defense as they protected the draw.
After a tense closing period, neither side could find a decisive breakthrough as the points were shared.
Match Statistics
Portugal controlled the ball for long periods but DR Congo matched them in effort and defensive resilience.
- Portugal shots: 9
- DR Congo shots: 8
- Portugal shots on target: 3
- DR Congo shots on target: 2
- Possession: Portugal 75%, DR Congo 25%
- Pass accuracy: Portugal 93%, DR Congo 81%
Despite enjoying three-quarters of possession and completing over 760 passes, Portugal could not convert their dominance into victory.
Group K standings
Following the opening round of matches, Colombia lead Group K after beating Uzbekistan, while Portugal and DR Congo each collect one point.
Group K standings:
- Colombia – 3 pts (+2)
- DR Congo – 1 pt (0)
- Portugal – 1 pt (0)
- Uzbekistan – 0 pts (-2)
Both Portugal and DR Congo remain firmly in contention for a place in the knockout stage heading into their second group matches.
